ISTU and Unicities: collaboration of Ukrainian universities and cities with the aim of "green" reconstruction of Ukraine

ISTU and Unicities: collaboration of Ukrainian universities and cities with the aim of "green" reconstruction of Ukraine

inMay 08, 2023

Despite the full-scale invasion and constant shelling of the entire territory of Ukraine, the ISTU team continues to be visible in the arena of international cooperation.

Representatives of the Academician Yury Bugai International Scientific and Technical University attended an overseas working meeting held as part of the Erasmus+ project "Unlocking the Transformative potential of Ukrainian Universities towards climate neutral and sustainable cities", No. 101083099 - UNICITIES - ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE) in Stockholm, Sweden.

Delegates had time to familiarize themselves with the work of such partners as Cities 2030 and Viable Cities, had the opportunity to ask questions and get to know their work methods. The team also conducted a study visit to the Royal Seaport as one of the innovative smart districts in Stockholm. One of the main topics for discussion was "Mapping and sensemaking: efforts to support the green reconstruction of Ukrainian cities".

The UniCities project will operate from February 2023 to February 2026. The main goal of the project is to reveal the transformative potential of Ukrainian universities as catalysts and accelerators of systemic changes in cities in the direction of sustainable development and climate neutrality through interdisciplinary research, education and innovation focused on societal challenges and cooperation.

In general, during the meeting, the project partners learned how university centers cooperate with cities and city municipalities, and also gained interesting and unforgettable experience of European programs of such international programs as:

 

  • Viable Cities – a strategic innovation program aimed at the transition to climate-neutral and sustainable cities. The project became a catalyst for new forms of cooperation between cities, industry, academic circles, research institutes and, in particular, society.
  • Cities 2030 is a cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at helping cities and regions implement Sustainable City and Regional Food Systems (or CRFS). The main goal of the project is to achieve 5 main goals:
    • Ensure healthy and sustainable food chains;
    • End food poverty and insecurity, ensure access;
    • Protect and preserve natural resources;
    • Improve the circular system of local food belts;
    • Develop food skills, culture and heritage.

 

What does the Unicities project do?

The UniCities team has singled out for itself a clear main goal of functioning - it is to reveal the transformative potential of Ukrainian universities as best as possible. After all, it is the institutions of higher education that are able to promote and accelerate systemic changes in cities in general. The main emphasis of such changes is aimed at climate neutrality, education and innovation, which are oriented to the modern challenges of society.

With this active partnership, UniCities also wants to increase the level of cooperation between universities in Ukraine, Sweden and Spain, as well as create an open network for inter-institutional cooperation, which will help to spread experience and create affordable interdisciplinary courses for students.

UniCities will contribute to helping universities and partners in cities create comfortable conditions to accelerate the development of climate-neutral and sustainable cities. It will also provide an opportunity to create and test innovative structures to support new multi-stakeholder ecosystems in four Ukrainian universities (ISTU, KPI, NUCP and NUYU), research and public organizations (Association of Cities of Ukraine, CANactions, UkrGMI and AISETU) to promote research and innovations in the development of climate-neutral and sustainable cities.

 

Green restoration of Ukrainian cities: why, why and how exactly?

Although now Ukraine is still in the active phase of defense of its lands, brutal attacks on the civilian population are still continuing, large-scale destruction and destruction are taking place. However, already at this stage, our partners and domestic experts should develop a plan for the restoration of civil and critical infrastructure facilities, ensuring stable energy security.

We will recall how Ukraine's partners supported the implementation of the European Green Deal (EGD), the goal of which is to achieve a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 in the long term. After all, then Ukraine also demonstrated its intentions to support this course. Therefore, during the large-scale reconstruction of the country, great attention will be paid to such aspects as:

 

  • Energy;
  • Green economy;
  • Decarbonization of enterprises;
  • Use of alternative types of fuel;
  • Sustainable agriculture;

 

How will "green" reconstruction take place?

The basic concept of reconstruction should be as follows: not only "build back better", but also "build back greener". Therefore, it will become the main parameter compliance with the requirements of energy efficiency norms and adaptation to climate change during the reconstruction of residential, social, educational infrastructure, settlements at all stages of recovery.

Green recovery will also refer to the renewal of capacities of critical infrastructure/enterprises, taking into account the possibilities of decarbonization and the future abandonment of fossil fuels, just as decarbonization is considered one of the targeted priorities of the ERC.

 

Why should it be done?

It is immediately worth noting that this format of interaction in practice will demonstrate the initiative and readiness of Ukrainian society to adhere to European concepts and ideas on the expansion of climate-neutral regions, decarbonization of enterprises and adaptation to the use of alternative fuels. Our European partners will be convinced of Ukraine's readiness for change not in words, but in practice.

In addition, the use of green methods of reconstruction of damaged objects with the involvement of modern technical means and recovery mechanisms will enable the next generation of Ukrainians to live, study and work in green areas, which will significantly improve the standard of living of every Ukrainian in the cities. This will lay a good foundation for future sustainable growth.